While most welcome summer’s warmth and brightness, many rosacea patients have to think twice about going outside for fear of a flare-up. Sun exposure is the most commonly reported rosacea trigger, and sunscreen is the first solution that comes to mind for protection. We’ve covered the subject before, suggesting helpful sunscreens lacking common irritants like fragrances, alcohol or harsh chemicals. While we wholeheartedly recommend using sunscreen, it’s not the only protective solution. Here are a few more tips to keep summer flare-ups at a minimum.

Medical scientists at Dokuz Eyful University in Turkey recently published the first study to demonstrate that providing more information to rosacea patients not only improves their understanding of the disorder but also enhances their quality of life and adherence to sun protection.¹

Sunscreen is an essential component of every rosacea management routine, as sun exposure is the #1 reported rosacea trigger. The number of sun care products being manufactured is growing every year; the Environmental Working Group (EWG) evaluated 1,700 SPF products as part of their 2024 guide to sunscreens, compared to 1,300 in 2020. 

The NRS has introduced a new Seal of Acceptance program to identify gentle skin care and cosmetic products that have been clinically tested, expertly evaluated and found to be unlikely to irritate sensitive rosacea skin. Look for a growing list of products that have received the NRS Seal of Acceptance on rosacea.org. Each listing includes a photo and description of the product with a link to learn more and purchase.

Are they isolated events or a trend? Extraordinary heat waves – extremes in high temperature and humidity – may be the norm rather than the exception this year as weather maps display the bright orange that signals the arrival of yet another round of very hot weather. For rosacea patients especially, these are reminders to take cover from the effects of the sun. Fortunately, in a recent National Rosacea Society (NRS) survey, patients said they frequently used sun protection and are vigilant about protecting their skin.

The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 3.5 million Americans were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2019, making this risk associated with sun exposure a very compelling reason for protecting yourself from the sun. Yet for rosacea patients there is even more reason for sun protection, as sun exposure is one of the most common triggers for rosacea flare-ups.

Although sun exposure may be the most common rosacea trigger, patients who take steps to protect their skin when outdoors have been successful in reducing rosacea outbreaks, according to a new National Rosacea Society patient survey. Virtually all of the 739 respondents said they make an effort to shield their skin from the sun, and 88 percent of those said their efforts had been successful or somewhat successful in reducing their rosacea flare-ups.

Q. I have special sunscreen, topical medication and special makeup. In what order should these three things be applied to my face?

A. From both medical and cosmetic standpoints, it makes much more sense to apply your medication before applying your sunscreen and makeup.

Q. What kind of sunscreen should be used for people with rosacea?

A. Using sunscreen is especially important for rosacea patients, as sun exposure was named the top trigger for rosacea flare-ups by 81 percent of those responding to a National Rosacea Society survey.

While many are aware that protection from sunlight is important to prevent skin cancer, rosacea patients have even further reason to minimize their exposure. In fact, beyond being the top trigger for rosacea flare-ups named by 81 percent of patients in a National Rosacea Society survey, researchers have found that sun exposure may be linked to the visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) often associated with rosacea.